China Expels Japanese Fishing Boats Near Disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands

Chinese coastguard actions escalate tensions with Japan days after trilateral talks promoting regional cooperation.

Chinese coastguard expelled four Japanese fishing vessels from waters near the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands between March 21 and 24, claiming they entered China's territorial waters.
Japan summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest the incursions and accused Beijing of attempting to unilaterally change the status quo by force.
The actions followed high-level talks between Japan, China, and South Korea, where leaders emphasized dialogue and cooperation to address regional challenges.
China reiterated its claim of sovereignty over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands and vowed to continue patrols to safeguard its territorial rights.
The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, uninhabited but rich in resources, remain a long-standing flashpoint in China-Japan relations, with broader implications for regional security.